Hey everyone. I have a 1993 Explorer, automatic w/overdrive, 4x4, with a 4.0L, lifted on 33's. The truck had about 200,000 miles on it but runs really good and has been very dependable. I use it mostly going to the mountains to go skiing on the weekends but just recently started to 4-wheel it a bit. For a mostly stock rig, it actually does amazing, I am able to "keep up" with my buddies in there locked up Wranglers and Toyota s . This last weekend I noticed on the trail that the engine was getting HOT and I shut it down to cool off. I noticed there was a large amount of tranny fluid leaking out around the bellhousing. The transmission was slipping and I had to add about 3.5 quarts of fluid to get the explorer back to the road. This occurred once before, just not nearly as bad. I had replaced the transmission fluid and filter just before the trip and it drove fine both before and after this happened.

Here are my questions. What transmission is in this truck? Is the tranny leak mostly caused by the engine overheating and fluid coming out the front seal? I know that these transmissions are not meant for this kind of abuse, what can I do to help/prevent this from happening again? I already plan on installing a tranny cooler, is there anything else? I am trting to do this as inexpensive as possible and would like to avoid putting in a new transmission. Thanks for your help, it is greatly appreciated

 

You have an A4LD, (Light Duty), your leak is caused by a worn front bushing or lack of one, which has damaged the front seal. It wont get better by itself.

If you haven't burnt the soft parts by running low, (slipping) you might get away with a re/re front bushing and seal.

Good luck

 

Thanks for the info. How difficult is the re/re of the tranny and front seal change. I am an able mechanic, I have just never messed around a whole lot with transmissions, especially something of this year.

Also, aside from an oil cooler, is there any mods or adjustments I can make to the tranny to help it off road while still maintaining street drive ability?